How to Fish Lake Waconia: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Waconia

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Waconia

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-67	Bass are actively moving shallow and staging for spawn, with males beginning to move up to prepare spawning areas while females remain slightly deeper Fish are actively feeding in pre-spawn pattern, relating strongly to shoreline structure and vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Docks positioned on shallow flats with submergent vegetation Submerged weed edges in 6-8 feet of water Shallow shoreline areas with emerging vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked slowly over submerged vegetation Spinnerbaits retrieved slowly above grass with pauses Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and shallow cover Frogs/Toads in vegetation and shallow cover	Bluegill staging in shallow vegetation Various baitfish relating to emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	45-58	Crappies are actively moving in schools, transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow pre-spawn locations, particularly along the south shoreline in 6-14 feet of water Fish are becoming more active during daylight hours, with feeding increasing as water temperatures rise, especially around submerged vegetation and baitfish schools	South shoreline areas in 6-14 feet of water where early spring warmth concentrates fish Submerged vegetation edges in 12-15 foot depth range Shallow coves and protected areas where water warms first	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through suspended schools Bobbers with small jigs and crappie minnows Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges	Small baitfish schools in transition areas Insects starting to become active in warming waters Emerging larvae near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	38-48	Walleye are transitioning from winter locations to spawning areas, staging near sandy bottoms and hard-bottom areas in preparation for spawn Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, feeding more aggressively during dawn and dusk periods Movement patterns show fish utilizing transitional areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning grounds	Sandy bottom areas and ledges near potential spawning grounds in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas between winter holes and spawning flats Deep breaks adjacent to spawning areas where fish stage before moving shallow	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, subtle presentations	Small minnows concentrated near staging areas Shad schools in slightly deeper water Smaller baitfish gathering near warming shallows	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, making aggressive moves on large prey items in shallow waters Fish are transitioning from winter depths to spawning areas, following warming trends and concentrating near emerging weed growth	Shallow bays and flats with emerging cabbage and coontail, especially areas warming first Transition areas between deeper wintering holes and shallow spawning bays Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas where pike stage before spawning	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves through shallow flats Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near transition areas	Bluegills congregating in warming shallows Baitfish schools moving into spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	48-65	Transitioning from winter locations to warmer, shallower spawning areas, actively feeding to regain energy Following large forage concentrations, particularly targeting bass and sunfish in emerging weed growth	Emerging weed edges in 7-10 foot depth adjacent to spawning areas Reef structures with early weed growth in 8-12 foot range Shallow bays with warming water and emerging vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along emerging weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds through warming shallows Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near reef structures	Largemouth Bass congregating in emerging weed growth Sunfish moving shallow as water warms Various baitfish schools staging near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Gradually moving from winter deep water locations (12-15 feet) towards shallower spawning areas (2-6 feet), staging at transition areas Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak Forming pre-spawn schools near emerging vegetation and protected bays	Protected bays with emerging weed growth in 5-8 feet Transition areas between winter depths (12-15 feet) and spawning flats Areas near docks and islands that offer wind protection and warming water	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 1-3 feet off bottom Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements Micro Crankbaits retrieved slowly along emerging weed edges	Emerging aquatic insects Small crustaceans in weed beds Tiny baitfish near warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	53-65	Drum are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding as water temperatures rise Fish are becoming more active and aggressive, targeting crawfish and other bottom-dwelling prey near hard structure	Rock piles and reefs adjacent to deeper wintering areas Hard bottom areas near emerging weed growth in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas between deep basin and shallow flats with shell beds or gravel	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Blade Baits with slow, vertical presentations near structure Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or crawfish in deeper staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small mollusks and aquatic insects on hard bottom areas Bottom-dwelling invertebrates in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-70	Bass are in spawning phase, with females moving into shallow protected areas (1-2 feet) over sand and gravel between reeds and docks Males are actively guarding nests and aggressively striking topwater baits in calm, protected bays Post-spawn females are beginning to move between shallow and slightly deeper water to recover	Reed beds in 1-2 feet of water, especially where they meet sand or gravel bottom Protected areas between docks with spawning-suitable substrate Calm, protected bays with emergent vegetation	Wacky Rigs worked slowly in shallow water Hard Topwater (Prop) across reed beds in calm areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with slow presentations in reeds Tubes flipped into shallow reed beds	Bluegills in shallow spawning areas Crawfish active in warmer shallow waters	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Moving into shallow waters (6-14 feet) along south shoreline areas for spawning, most active during dawn/dusk periods Staging in and around submerged vegetation, utilizing weed edges as transition zones between spawning areas and deeper water	South shoreline areas with submerged vegetation in 6-14 foot range Shallow coves and protected areas with emerging weed growth Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Crappie Spider Rigging	Small baitfish schools in and around vegetation Emerging aquatic insects near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are actively spawning and feeding during low light periods, particularly at dusk, as evidenced by recent catches 'at dark' Fish are relating to shallow, hard-bottom areas but may move deeper during bright conditions due to the moderate water clarity (3.1m Secchi)	Sandy bottom areas in shallow water, particularly during evening hours Ledges adjacent to spawning areas for transitional staging Offshore structure during bright daytime conditions	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along sandy flats and ledges Live Bait Rigs with minnows during low light periods Blade Baits worked along transitional areas	Minnows Shad	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out Post-spawn fish remaining shallow but transitioning to active feeding behavior around emerging weed growth	Shallow weedy bays with emerging cabbage and coontail, especially in protected areas Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas in 4-8 foot depths Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near spawning areas	Shallow water baitfish schools Bluegills moving into warming shallows Young of year panfish in backwater areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies are recovering in shallow spawning bays and transitioning to early season feeding patterns, often remaining relatively shallow near emerging weed growth Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, but movements are still relatively lethargic compared to peak summer patterns	Shallow spawning bays with emerging weed growth in 4-8 foot depth range Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper weed edges in 8-12 feet Rocky points and reef structures adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through shallow weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along emerging weed growth Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to transition areas	Shallow-oriented sunfish in spawning bays Young-of-year bass moving into emerging weed growth Various baitfish species staging near transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Males actively building and guarding nests in shallow protected areas, typically 2-4 feet deep Females staging in slightly deeper water (6-8 feet) near spawning areas, moving shallow periodically to spawn Most active during morning and evening hours, with increased sensitivity to pressure changes	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation Areas near docks and islands in 2-4 feet of water Deeper weed edges in 6-8 feet for staging fish	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-2 feet off bottom Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near bedding areas	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas Small crustaceans in vegetation Plankton in shallow warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	55-65	Moving into shallower hard-bottom areas (6-12 feet) for spawning, particularly around rock piles and reefs adjacent to weed edges Actively feeding on crawfish and mollusks during pre-spawn staging, with increased activity during warming trends	Rock piles and reefs in 6-12 foot depth range adjacent to weed edges Hard bottom flats with scattered rock and gravel in protected bays Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning flats	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or crawfish Tubes dragged and hopped on hard bottom areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small mollusks and aquatic insects on hard bottom areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-78	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding but scattered between shallow and mid-depth zones Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior around docks and weed edges, particularly during overcast conditions and early morning hours	Docks with adjacent vegetation, especially those with deeper water access Inside weed edges in 6-10 feet of water with isolated cabbage patches Secondary points with emerging vegetation in 8-14 foot depth range	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and weed edges Bladed Jigs through emerging vegetation and weed edges Texas Rigs skipped under docks and worked through vegetation	Bluegill concentrating around docks and weed edges Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in weed areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to summer patterns, suspending near weed edges in 6-14 foot depth range Fish are actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods, replenishing energy after spawn while utilizing vegetation for cover	Weed edges and inside turns in 8-14 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water Suspended over submerged vegetation in 6-14 foot range	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small baitfish schools suspended near weed edges Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Young-of-year panfish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	58-68	Walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding while moving between shoreline structure and offshore flats/humps Fish are most active during lower light conditions due to moderate water clarity (3.1m Secchi), seeking deeper structure during bright days	Offshore humps and flats adjacent to spawning areas Weed edges forming along sand/hard bottom transitions Deep structure near shoreline areas serving as transition zones	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or leeches Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Minnows gathering along transitional areas Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge Leeches becoming more active in warming waters	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are actively feeding post-spawn, recovering energy and utilizing weed edges and shallow flats for ambush points Fish are making frequent movements between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper recovery zones	Emerging weed edges in 4-8 feet of water, particularly cabbage and coontail beds Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet Shallow flats with scattered vegetation near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with varied retrieve speeds Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transition areas Inline Spinners cast to visible weed patches with steady retrieves	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed growth Baitfish schools transitioning to shallow flats Young-of-year panfish in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	58-68	Post-spawn muskies are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, becoming increasingly active as water warms Fish are beginning to set up ambush points near healthy weed growth and reef structures, particularly during prime feeding windows	Emerging weed beds in 7-14 foot range, especially cabbage and coontail edges Reef structures with adjacent weed growth Shallow bays with warming water that concentrate baitfish	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily over emerging vegetation Spinnerbaits worked parallel to structure transitions	Largemouth Bass (6-12 inch class) Sunfish congregating in warming shallows Various baitfish schools moving shallow	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, establishing patterns along weed edges and transitioning to deeper summer locations Fish are moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting spots, with most activity in 8-12 foot depth range	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet of water Secondary points with coontail or milfoil growth Docks with deep water access near spawning areas	Bobbers with lightweight jigs suspended just above weed tops Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working through the water column near structure Crappie Dock Shooting for fish relating to dock structures	Small insects and larvae near weed growth Small crustaceans in vegetation Newly hatched fry in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	65-75	Post-spawn drum actively feeding on crawfish and other benthic organisms in basin areas, showing increased activity with warming water temperatures Moving between hard-bottom feeding areas and adjacent deeper water, particularly during warming spring conditions	Open water basin areas with hard bottom structure Rock piles and reefs adjacent to weed edges Transitional areas between shallow flats and deeper structural elements	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or crawfish Ned Rigs dragged on hard bottom areas	Crawfish Mollusks Aquatic insects	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	74-82	Bass are actively feeding on bluegill schools around weed edges and isolated weed clumps, particularly during early morning and evening periods Fish are schooling along deep weed edges in 12-16 feet, moving between thick vegetation and adjacent hard bottom areas	Deep weed edges (12-16 feet) where healthy coontail/milfoil meets hard bottom Isolated weed clumps on reef points Docks with adjacent vegetation, especially in shallower water	Ned Rigs worked slowly along weed edges and through patches Drop Shot with finesse baits targeting deeper weed edges Texas Rigs pitched into thick vegetation Medium diving crankbaits parallel to weed edges where bluegill are present	Bluegill concentrated around weed edges and clumps Minnows schooling in open water near structure	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Crappies are suspending over weed edges in 6-14 foot depth range, most active during dawn and dusk periods Fish are relating to submerged vegetation and showing preference for areas with baitfish schools	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets open water Suspended over submerged weed beds in 6-14 foot range Points and coves with healthy vegetation growth	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to cover water and find active schools Crappie Spider Rigging over suspended fish and along deeper weed edges Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs when fish are suspended	Small baitfish schools suspended in and around weed beds Aquatic insects and larvae within the vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleye are suspending along weed edges and deeper structure during daylight hours, becoming more active during low light periods Fish are following preferred temperature bands, typically holding in 15-22 foot depths during midday and moving shallower to feed during dawn/dusk	Deep weed edges adjacent to offshore structure (15-22 feet) Offshore humps and sandy bottom transitions Main lake points with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits during low light periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during daylight hours	Shad schools suspending near structure Minnows relating to weed edges Young-of-year baitfish in shallower areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	75-82	Pike are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation in flats during midday, likely using these areas as ambush points With summer temperatures reaching 75-82°F, pike are alternating between shallow feeding periods and retreating to deeper, cooler water for comfort	Weed flats with submerged vegetation, particularly cabbage and coontail beds Deeper weed edges adjacent to flats for cooling periods Deeper ledges near structure during peak heat	Bladed Jigs worked through and over vegetation Inline Spinners with flash and vibration for clear water Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges	Bluegill in and around vegetation General baitfish schools around structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Muskie	72-82	Actively feeding on smaller largemouth bass (6-12 inches) with aggressive pursuit behavior, showing multiple follows and strike attempts Utilizing reef and weed edge areas as ambush points, with increased activity during feeding windows	Reefs with adjacent weed growth in 7-14 foot range Cabbage and coontail weed edges, particularly near deeper water Structural transitions where bass forage congregates	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges and over reefs Spoons worked with an erratic retrieve to trigger reaction strikes Hard Body Swimbaits matching bass profile size	Largemouth Bass 6-12 inches Sunfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Bluegills are actively feeding on insects in and around submerged vegetation, with schools congregating near weed edges in 12-15 foot depth range Fish are showing typical summer pattern behavior, suspending near thermocline and moving between deeper weed edges and shallow feeding zones	Weed edges at 12-15 foot depths, particularly near islands Submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range Areas where coontail and milfoil provide cover near deeper water access	Finesse Jigs worked slowly through weed edges Bobbers with small jigs suspended at key depths near vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small insects or worms	Aquatic insects Small invertebrates in vegetation Zooplankton	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Drum	65-82	Drum are actively feeding in warm summer conditions, primarily targeting crawfish and mollusks on hard-bottom areas during dawn and dusk periods During midday heat, fish move to slightly deeper basin areas near structure, maintaining proximity to primary forage zones	Rock piles and reefs adjacent to weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range Hard-bottom areas in basin locations during peak daylight hours Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper structural elements	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom, especially near rock-to-weed transitions Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or leeches dragged across hard bottom areas Football Jigs bounced along deeper hard-bottom areas during midday	Crawfish, particularly abundant around rock and weed transitions Mollusks and aquatic insects on hard-bottom areas Small benthic organisms in basin areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Waconia

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	53-73	Bass are actively feeding on the edges of weed beds, showing aggressive strikes when encountering prey Fish are relating tightly to bottom and submerged vegetation in 7-10 foot depth range as water temperatures cool	Green submerged vegetation edges in 7-10 feet of water Sparse clumps of weeds on hard bottom areas Deep weed edges adjacent to primary lake structure	Structure Jigs worked through sparse weed clumps Bladed Jigs ripped over and through cabbage beds Finesse Jigs worked along weed edges	Bluegill General baitfish in weeds	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper structure, actively feeding to build reserves for winter Schools becoming more concentrated, with most active feeding during dawn/dusk periods Fish suspending over deep weed edges and near brush piles in 12-15 foot range	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water Brush piles in 12-20 foot zones Points and coves with access to deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small baitfish schools suspended near structure Young-of-year panfish in weed edges Small invertebrates in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns as they prepare for winter Fish are most active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) but will feed throughout the day in overcast conditions, especially near deep structure adjacent to forage concentrations	Deep weed edges transitioning to sand or gravel (12-17 feet) Offshore humps and deep structure adjacent to feeding flats Main basin areas where baitfish schools are congregating	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Schooling shad and minnows Young of the year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, primarily targeting baitfish and panfish along weed edges and ledges Fish are following baitfish schools and showing increased aggression, making them responsive to flash and vibration	Weed edges adjacent to deeper ledges where pike can ambush prey Deep ledges with nearby structure for staging Shallow flats with remaining green weeds, particularly cabbage beds	Inline Spinners worked along weed edges and over ledges Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crawler harnesses near structure Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth Baitfish schools around structure Shallow water prey species	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskies are actively feeding along deep weed edges, particularly during morning hours, preparing for winter Fish are showing aggressive chase behavior, with multiple follows and catches possible in single outings	Deep weed edges in 12-13 feet of water, particularly on the north side of the lake Submerged vegetation beds with adjacent reef structures Points and irregularities in the shoreline where weeds meet deeper water	Inline Spinners worked just above submerged vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) targeting deep weed edges Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Largemouth Bass (6-12 inch) Various Sunfish species	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water (12-15 feet) near weed edges as water temperatures cool, schooling more tightly and feeding actively to prepare for winter Fish are relating strongly to remaining green weeds, particularly coontail and milfoil beds, using them as primary feeding zones	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, particularly near points or breaks Remaining green weed patches in sheltered bays Deeper docks with nearby deep water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Drum	53-65	Actively feeding on mollusks and crawfish near hard-bottom areas, increasing activity as water cools from summer peaks Beginning to school more heavily in deeper basin areas (12-15 feet) as temperatures drop, especially near rock-to-mud transitions	Deep rock piles and reefs adjacent to basin areas Hard-bottom areas near weed edges in 8-12 feet Transition areas where rock meets mud bottom in deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Structure Jigs Blade Baits	Crawfish Mollusks Benthic invertebrates	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	34-39	Winter crappies are schooling in deeper water, concentrating around brush piles and weed edges in 12-20 foot depths Most active feeding during low light periods, suspending near structure but remaining catchable in moderate depth ranges	Deep brush piles in 20+ feet of water Tips of deep weed beds in 12-20 foot range Basin areas adjacent to primary structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small baitfish schools suspending near structure Juvenile crappies	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	45-55	Walleye are suspending near schools of baitfish in deeper water, actively feeding during low light periods and overcast conditions Fish are following daily vertical migrations of baitfish, moving shallower during dawn/dusk periods	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like humps and points Weed edges where they transition to deeper water Offshore humps and saddles in 15-25 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools suspending in deeper water Smaller baitfish relating to remaining weed edges	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-48	Pike are actively feeding in winter open water periods, following both baitfish schools and targeting panfish around weed edges Fish are utilizing multiple depth ranges, with a preference for holding near structure that provides ambush opportunities	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats, particularly remaining cabbage beds Points and ledges where depth changes create ambush opportunities Areas where baitfish schools are concentrated near structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Lipless Crankbaits Blade Baits Spoons	Bluegills concentrating in remaining weed growth Baitfish schools suspending near structure Other panfish species grouping in winter locations	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	38-48	During late fall/early winter open water, muskies are actively feeding to build energy reserves, focusing on larger prey near deep weed edges and reef structures Fish become more lethargic as water temperatures drop, but will still opportunistically feed during stable weather periods	Deep weed edges in 12-13 foot range, particularly where they intersect with reef structures Deeper cabbage and coontail beds that remain green and healthy Transition areas between weeds and hard bottom structures that provide ambush points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Largemouth Bass (6-12 inch class) Large Sunfish Schools of winter-concentrated baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Actively suspending near remaining green weeds, particularly coontail and milfoil, in 12-15 foot depth range where oxygen levels remain high Feeding periods become more concentrated during mid-day hours when water temperatures are highest	Healthy weed edges in 12-15 foot depth range, especially near bottom contour changes Island edges with remaining vegetation Deep docks adjacent to deeper water where vegetation is still present	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot	Small invertebrates and zooplankton in and around remaining vegetation Smaller baitfish relating to weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Drum	53-58	Drum concentrate in deeper basin areas near hard bottom structure, becoming more lethargic but still feeding opportunistically on mollusks and other benthic organisms Schooling behavior increases in winter, with fish typically staying in tight groups in predictable locations	Deep basin areas adjacent to rock piles and reefs (15-25 feet) Hard bottom areas near the deepest portions of the lake Transition areas where rock structure meets the main basin	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Structure Jigs	Mollusks and small shellfish on hard bottom areas Dormant/slow-moving crawfish Benthic invertebrates	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are suspending 2-3 feet above healthy weed beds in 12-15 foot water, showing active feeding behavior during daylight hours Fish are schooling over deeper weed growth areas, likely relating to both cover and forage presence	Healthy weed beds in 12-15 foot depths Brush piles in similar depth ranges Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle jigging motions 2-3 feet above weeds Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics Hover/Mid-Strolling techniques for suspended fish	Small baitfish schools suspended near weed beds Aquatic invertebrates within the weed growth	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	32-34	Walleye are holding in basin areas around 17 feet, actively feeding during daylight hours as evidenced by pre-noon success Fish are following suspended baitfish schools in deeper water, with a preference for aggressive reaction strikes on jigging presentations	Main lake basins in 15-20 foot depth range Offshore humps and deep structure adjacent to basin areas Transitions between basins and primary structural elements	Ice Fishing Jigs with aggressive jigging cadence, particularly Jigging Raps Ice Fishing Spoons with minnow heads for added attraction Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live suckers or fatheads for larger fish	Shad schools suspended in basin areas Fathead minnows Suckers	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity, focusing on larger meals to conserve energy Fish concentrate in areas with good oxygen levels, typically near deeper weed edges and structure Most active during early morning and late afternoon, with reduced movement during midday	Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow flats, particularly remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 feet Points and transitions where deeper water meets shallow feeding areas Areas with concentrated schools of bluegill and other panfish	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live baits set at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Bluegills and other panfish concentrated in winter schools Baitfish schools holding near structure and remaining vegetation Small pike and other predator fish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	33-39	Schooling in deeper basins near healthy weed beds in 12-15 foot range, with active feeding periods during stable weather conditions Suspending near bottom relating to remaining green vegetation, moving between feeding zones based on oxygen levels	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet where healthy vegetation persists Basin areas adjacent to structural elements like humps and points Areas near islands where deeper water meets structure	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae near remaining vegetation Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton in deeper water Small minnows and young-of-year fish	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Waconia

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks positioned on shallow flats with submergent vegetation	Submerged weed edges in 6-8 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	South shoreline areas in 6-14 feet of water where early spring warmth concentrates fish	Submerged vegetation edges in 12-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Sandy bottom areas and ledges near potential spawning grounds in 8-15 foot depth range	Transition areas between winter holes and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and flats with emerging cabbage and coontail, especially areas warming first	Transition areas between deeper wintering holes and shallow spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Emerging weed edges in 7-10 foot depth adjacent to spawning areas	Reef structures with early weed growth in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected bays with emerging weed growth in 5-8 feet	Transition areas between winter depths (12-15 feet) and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Rock piles and reefs adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Hard bottom areas near emerging weed growth in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in 1-2 feet of water, especially where they meet sand or gravel bottom	Protected areas between docks with spawning-suitable substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	South shoreline areas with submerged vegetation in 6-14 foot range	Shallow coves and protected areas with emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Sandy bottom areas in shallow water, particularly during evening hours	Ledges adjacent to spawning areas for transitional staging
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weedy bays with emerging cabbage and coontail, especially in protected areas	Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas in 4-8 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow spawning bays with emerging weed growth in 4-8 foot depth range	Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper weed edges in 8-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation	Areas near docks and islands in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Rock piles and reefs in 6-12 foot depth range adjacent to weed edges	Hard bottom flats with scattered rock and gravel in protected bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation, especially those with deeper water access	Inside weed edges in 6-10 feet of water with isolated cabbage patches
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges and inside turns in 8-14 foot depth range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Offshore humps and flats adjacent to spawning areas	Weed edges forming along sand/hard bottom transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 4-8 feet of water, particularly cabbage and coontail beds	Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Emerging weed beds in 7-14 foot range, especially cabbage and coontail edges	Reef structures with adjacent weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet of water	Secondary points with coontail or milfoil growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Open water basin areas with hard bottom structure	Rock piles and reefs adjacent to weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges (12-16 feet) where healthy coontail/milfoil meets hard bottom	Isolated weed clumps on reef points
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets open water	Suspended over submerged weed beds in 6-14 foot range
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to offshore structure (15-22 feet)	Offshore humps and sandy bottom transitions
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed flats with submerged vegetation, particularly cabbage and coontail beds	Deeper weed edges adjacent to flats for cooling periods
Summer	Muskie	Reefs with adjacent weed growth in 7-14 foot range	Cabbage and coontail weed edges, particularly near deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges at 12-15 foot depths, particularly near islands	Submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range
Summer	Drum	Rock piles and reefs adjacent to weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range	Hard-bottom areas in basin locations during peak daylight hours
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Green submerged vegetation edges in 7-10 feet of water	Sparse clumps of weeds on hard bottom areas
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water	Brush piles in 12-20 foot zones
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges transitioning to sand or gravel (12-17 feet)	Offshore humps and deep structure adjacent to feeding flats
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper ledges where pike can ambush prey	Deep ledges with nearby structure for staging
Fall	Muskie	Deep weed edges in 12-13 feet of water, particularly on the north side of the lake	Submerged vegetation beds with adjacent reef structures
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, particularly near points or breaks	Remaining green weed patches in sheltered bays
Fall	Drum	Deep rock piles and reefs adjacent to basin areas	Hard-bottom areas near weed edges in 8-12 feet
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20+ feet of water	Tips of deep weed beds in 12-20 foot range
Winter	Walleye	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like humps and points	Weed edges where they transition to deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats, particularly remaining cabbage beds	Points and ledges where depth changes create ambush opportunities
Winter	Muskie	Deep weed edges in 12-13 foot range, particularly where they intersect with reef structures	Deeper cabbage and coontail beds that remain green and healthy
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Healthy weed edges in 12-15 foot depth range, especially near bottom contour changes	Island edges with remaining vegetation
Winter	Drum	Deep basin areas adjacent to rock piles and reefs (15-25 feet)	Hard bottom areas near the deepest portions of the lake
Ice	Crappie	Healthy weed beds in 12-15 foot depths	Brush piles in similar depth ranges
Ice	Walleye	Main lake basins in 15-20 foot depth range	Offshore humps and deep structure adjacent to basin areas
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow flats, particularly remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 feet	Points and transitions where deeper water meets shallow feeding areas
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet where healthy vegetation persists	Basin areas adjacent to structural elements like humps and points

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill staging in shallow vegetation	Various baitfish relating to emerging weed growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish schools in transition areas	Insects starting to become active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows concentrated near staging areas	Shad schools in slightly deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in warming shallows	Baitfish schools moving into spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Largemouth Bass congregating in emerging weed growth	Sunfish moving shallow as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small mollusks and aquatic insects on hard bottom areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills in shallow spawning areas	Crawfish active in warmer shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish schools in and around vegetation	Emerging aquatic insects near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows	Shad
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow water baitfish schools	Bluegills moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow-oriented sunfish in spawning bays	Young-of-year bass moving into emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small mollusks and aquatic insects on hard bottom areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around docks and weed edges	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in weed areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish schools suspended near weed edges	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering along transitional areas	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed growth	Baitfish schools transitioning to shallow flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Largemouth Bass (6-12 inch class)	Sunfish congregating in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near weed growth	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish	Mollusks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around weed edges and clumps	Minnows schooling in open water near structure
Summer	Crappie	Small baitfish schools suspended in and around weed beds	Aquatic insects and larvae within the vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near structure	Minnows relating to weed edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill in and around vegetation	General baitfish schools around structure
Summer	Muskie	Largemouth Bass 6-12 inches	Sunfish
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects	Small invertebrates in vegetation
Summer	Drum	Crawfish, particularly abundant around rock and weed transitions	Mollusks and aquatic insects on hard-bottom areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	General baitfish in weeds
Fall	Crappie	Small baitfish schools suspended near structure	Young-of-year panfish in weed edges
Fall	Walleye	Schooling shad and minnows	Young of the year perch
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth	Baitfish schools around structure
Fall	Muskie	Largemouth Bass (6-12 inch)	Various Sunfish species
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Fall	Drum	Crawfish	Mollusks
Winter	Crappie	Small baitfish schools suspending near structure	Juvenile crappies
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools suspending in deeper water	Smaller baitfish relating to remaining weed edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrating in remaining weed growth	Baitfish schools suspending near structure
Winter	Muskie	Largemouth Bass (6-12 inch class)	Large Sunfish
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and zooplankton in and around remaining vegetation	Smaller baitfish relating to weed edges
Winter	Drum	Mollusks and small shellfish on hard bottom areas	Dormant/slow-moving crawfish
Ice	Crappie	Small baitfish schools suspended near weed beds	Aquatic invertebrates within the weed growth
Ice	Walleye	Shad schools suspended in basin areas	Fathead minnows
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills and other panfish concentrated in winter schools	Baitfish schools holding near structure and remaining vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae near remaining vegetation	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Waconia

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Drum	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Muskie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Drum	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Drum	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Ice	Crappie	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors